There have been a very large amount of studies that have made the connection between fibromyalgia and severe depression. It just so happens that about three out of every ten cases of people that have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia also show the symptom of severe depression when they first diagnosed with the disorder.

There have been some researchers that have expressed that they feel that a state of depression oftentimes leads to abnormal changes in the brain’s chemistry. Other researchers have focused have taken careful consideration and monitoring the abnormalities located in the sympathetic nervous system. This specific part of the human nervous system determines how the human body will handle stress and sudden emergencies.

It has been contended that the monitored abnormalities have the ability to lead to the release substances in the human body that cause extra sensitivity to pain and aches. When this extra sensitivity happens, the resulting action is the chronic fatigue and the state of depression that affects many people who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

The more one learns about fibromyalgia and its connection to depression the better they will be able to discuss possible treatment with his or her doctor. These possible medical treatments can include the prescription of antidepressants. When one follows a well designed and careful fibromyalgia treatment schedule and plan and garnering all of the support he or she can from family members, friends, employers, and coworkers, he or she may be able to take better control of the fibromyalgia disorder.

By following a strict fibromyalgia treatment plan, those with fibromyalgia may be able to take control of their depression symptoms and other symptoms of fibromyalgia and maintain a high quality of life.

Depression

Depression is an extreme form of sadness and can become the real issue that affects the entire life of someone that has its symptoms. While sadness is a very normal reaction when someone has a loss or is suffering from self-esteem issues, when depression sets in it can be very difficult overcome for people. Depression will cause those that it is affecting to lose the same pleasure they felt when doing activities that they typically enjoyed.

Depression may also cause someone that is suffering from it gain or lose weight. Those with depression often report having feelings of guilt or a great sense of worthlessness. Additionally, some cases of depression will cause someone to have serious thoughts about death. The most common of the depression symptoms is the consistent loss of energy or willingness to go out and do things that the person suffering from it would typically enjoy.

Of course, these symptoms will interfere with daily activities and following a daily schedule that someone may have had for many months or years. There are cases in which depression last for weeks or several months. This type of depression has been labeled as major or clinical depression. There are several types of depression, including chronic depression.

There are several subcategories of chronic depression. These subcategories include bipolar depression, dysthymia, and what is known as seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

Linking Depression and Fibromyalgia

There is a high level of stress that is caused from the fibromyalgia disorder. The chronic pain and constant state of fatigue can oftentimes cause anxiety and feelings of social isolation. When chronic pain begins to affect the deep muscles of the body and the pain is someone’s tender points becomes unbearable at times, the ending result can be limited activity and sometimes no activity at all.

When someone is in constant pain and is limited in their activities and their abilities and can no longer do what they used to find commonplace, they will sometimes withdraw into themselves, which may lead to severe depression. There have been some studies that claim that extreme levels of anxiety and severe depression are just additional symptoms of fibromyalgia rather than unfortunate results from the usual symptoms of the disorder.

Depression in all forms, when paired with fibromyalgia, will interfere with the way those been affected by them go about their daily activities in their home or in their workplace. Those suffering from these symptoms or feel depressed often should seek out their physician or doctor and discuss exactly what it is they are feeling.

Someone that is suffering from depression while suffering from fibromyalgia at the same time may or may not know that they are if fact in a state of depression. Depression is not universal to all fibromyalgia, but does occur with a high frequency rate. However, even when someone who is depressed is not fully aware that it is their mental state, they will very much know that something has been off about their daily life.

Depression and chronic pain may result in those diagnosed with them feeling extremely decreased levels of energy and much difficulty when they are trying to concentrate or make a decision. There have been reported feelings of irritability, hopelessness, and extreme guilt. Someone suffering depression and chronic pain may lose all interest in almost all, if not all, activities.

Additionally, those suffering from depression and chronic pain will oftentimes feel a constant sadness or be in an anxious mood during most of the day, and will have nearly uncontrollable tearing episodes. Some severe cases of depression may cause the thought of suicide.

The stresses that come with fibromyalgia, the chronic pain, the constant feeling of fatigue, and many other symptoms associated with the disorder may cause nervousness, anxiety, and depressive states. However, there has been no evidence to prove that the stresses absolutely cause fibromyalgia or that fibromyalgia will cause stress. These things just happen to be common and happen with great frequency.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia and no absolute universal cure for depression. Those diagnosed with fibromyalgia should know that the disorder affects the feelings and emotions of a person as much as it affects their physical state. Communication is essential because getting through these symptoms alone is extremely difficult. While there is a verifiable cure, there are several treatments to help with fibromyalgia and depression.